Secondary Survey

Question 1

What is the purpose of a secondary survey?

Answer 1

To assess for all identifiable injuries

Question 2

What are you looking for when assessing the head and face during a secondary survey?

Answer 2

• Inspect and palpate for lacerations and fractures including back of the head
• Inspect the ears and nose for CFS leakage, septal haematoma
• eye exam for corneal abrasions/retrobulbar haematoma/lens dislocation/contact lens
• cranial nerves I - XII
• oral cavity: loose or missing teeth, any lacerations

Question 3

What are you assessing for in the musculoskeletal system during a secondary survey?

Answer 3

• inspecting and palpating all limbs, thoracic and lumbar spine for any blunt or penetrating trauma
• asses for peripheral neurological or vascular deficit

Question 4

What are you assessing for in a neurological exam during a secondary survey?

Answer 4

• assessing all limbs for tone, power and sensation
• elicit the level of any motor or sensory deficit
• examine reflexes
• examine for anal tone where indicated

Question 5

What are you assessing during the pelvis exam during a secondary survey?

Answer 5

The pelvis, perineum, rectum and external genitalia when indicated

Question 6

During a secondary survey what do you need to document about the skin?

Answer 6

Document any: incisional wounds, bruises, abrasions, lacerations, erythema, pressure sores, thermal injuries